Jan. 13, 2005
WILLIMANTIC, CT- For the second game in a row, the Gulls of Endicott went on the road to win a non-league game defeating Eastern Connecticut State University in overtime 65-64. Eastern Connecticut jumped out to an early 19-6 lead on hot shooting by senior Antwoine Key. Endicott chipped away to cut the lead to six at 28-22 with 4 minutes to go but Eastern Connecticut closed out the half on a 11-4 run to lead by 13 at intermission, 39-26.
In the second half Eastern Connecticut would push the lead to as high as 16 as they led 46-30 with 15:00 minutes to go. Endicott then rallied behind their defense and the offense of Josh Oxton to take the lead at 55-53 with 3:21 to go. During that span Endicott held Eastern Connecticut scoreless for 7 minutes. Oxton handled the scoring for Endicott as he scored 16 points in the second half. Zach Ellis hit a free throw to put the Gulls up three with 35 seconds to go. Eastern Connecticut found Mike Bartunek for a three point shot which went in with 15.8 seconds left. Endicott had a good look at the end of regulation but was unable to convert.
In the overtime Eastern Connecticut jumped out to a four point lead, 62-58, with 3 minutes to go in the overtime. Oxton cut into the lead with a steal and driving layup that induced a foul. Oxton made the foul shot and Endicott turned Eastern Connecticut over again and fed Matt George for an open layup to take the lead 63-62. Michael Stallings would regain the lead for Eastern Connecticut with a jump shot setting up Zach Ellis' heroics. With the shot clock winding down, Ellis hit a 10 foot floater to regain the lead 65-64. Stallings would miss a driving layup late, securing the victory for Endicott.
Endicott (5-4) was led by Josh Oxton's 26 points. Also in double figures for Endicott were Zach Ellis, Nemanja Marinkovic and Matt George with 14, 11 and 10 points respectively. Eastern Connecticut (4-8) was led by Michael Stallings' 14 points. Mike Bartunek recorded a double double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Endicott resumes league play Saturday, January 15 at home vs. Salve Regina University at 3pm.
